Continuous Improvement & Lean Implementation

• Implement Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence tools, including:
  • Root Cause Analysis (RCA).
  • 5 Whys.
  • Process mapping.
  • Standard work.
  • Visual management.
• Facilitate structured problem-solving sessions and continuous improvement workshops across the site.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency, quality, service, safety and cost across the business.
• Partner with functional leaders to improve operational performance across the site.
• Develop and implement standardised processes to ensure improvements are sustained.

Operational Performance & Analysis

• Analyse operational data to identify performance gaps and improvement opportunities.
• Use data to identify root causes of operational losses, including downtime, waste and yield loss.
• Build clear business cases for improvement initiatives where required.
• Track and report the impact of CI initiatives on operational performance.
• Develop and maintain site performance dashboards and identify strategic improvement opportunities.
• Present improvement plans and progress through Leadership Team and KPM reviews.
• Measure and report financial and operational benefits delivered through CI initiatives.

Project Delivery

• Lead the London Efficiency programme, ensuring initiatives are prioritised, delivered and benefits are tracked.
• Lead cross-functional improvement projects from concept through to implementation.
• Organise and manage process trials and testing of new methods, equipment or systems.
• Coordinate cross-functional input where required to ensure successful delivery.
• Ensure improvement initiatives are delivered safely on time and with minimal operational disruption.
• Prioritise improvement projects aligned to the London Roadmap and annual business objectives.
• Lead cross-functional transformation projects involving multiple departments.
• Ensure benefits are measured and sustained after implementation.

Capability Building

• Coach leaders in root cause analysis and continuous improvement tools.
• Develop Continuous Improvement capability across the organisation through coaching, training and knowledge sharing.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and ownership of problems across the organisation.

The Ideal Candidate

Experience

• Proven experience delivering operational improvement projects in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong background in Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence and structured problem solving.
• Experience leading cross-functional improvement programmes and embedding sustainable change.
• Experience in food manufacturing or fast-paced FMCG preferred.
• Experience leading organisational change and delivering measurable business improvements.
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders and working across multiple functions.
• Understanding of retail supply chains.
• Experience using operational data and KPIs to identify and prioritise improvement opportunities.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing methodologies.
• Highly skilled in Root Cause Analysis and structured problem solving.
• Strong analytical and data interpretation capability.
• Advanced MS Excel.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.
• Strong facilitation skills for workshops and leadership discussions.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Financial awareness and ability to develop business cases.
• Ability to make clear, evidence-based decisions in complex situations.

Attributes

• Passion for Continuous Improvement and Operational Excellence.
• Hands-on and comfortable working on the factory floor.
• Collaborative leader who builds strong relationships across functions.
• Self-motivated and proactive.
• Calm and logical thinker.
• Positive, resilient and solutions focused.
• Leads by example and drives accountability.
• Commercially aware with a strong focus on delivering measurable business results.